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Advice For First Time Travel Nurses

Being a travel nurse is incredibly exciting. You’ve chosen a rewarding profession that offers opportunities you may never thought we’re possible. It not only offers the chance to advance your nursing career , but to experience new places, meet new people, and be paid very well for it in the process. Of course, much of what makes life as a nurse traveler so appealing can also come with a few bumps along the road. Being prepared is one of the best ways to ensure the most positive outcome possible, which is why anyone taking a travel job for the first time should heed this important advice for first time travel nurses.

Be Flexible

When you initially make the decision to become a travel nurse, it can sometimes take a little longer to land that first travel assignment. Being flexible can be key to making it happen. While you may hesitate about traveling a long distance from your hometown for that first travel nursing job, if you’re willing to make the leap and get your foot in the door, odds are, you’ll have a lot more available to you in the future as many hospitals and other facilities are looking for prior travel nursing experience. That means that while places like Florida and Southern California offer that wonderfully warm climate, those locations are also in high demand. Consider some of the more off-the-beaten path spots and you’re much less likely to face stiff competition, something that can be key to landing that first position. Remember, a travel nursing job is temporary – if you end up loving it, you may be able to extend, but if you don’t, you’ll be able to move on to something better in just a matter of weeks.

Learn Everything You Can About Your New Assignment, and Your New Location

Ask lots of questions throughout every step of the process, as your travel staffing recruiter is there to help. Find out as much as you can about your new assignment, the facility and the location you’ll be heading to. Check out sites like City-Data and Neighborhood Scout to learn more about city characteristics. You may want to do some research online to find out what you’ll be able to do outside of work, such as popular attractions, nightlife, outdoor activities, and so on. Not only will you be more prepared, but it will get you excited about going.

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Thoroughly Read Your Contract

While it may seem obvious, before you make any major decision, from buying a new car to renting an apartment to taking a travel job, reading the contract thoroughly to make sure you understand everything that you’re committing to is a must. All of those details you discussed with your nurse recruiter should be a part of your contract – you don’t want any surprises after you’ve arrived.

Everything you need to know about Guaranteed Hours

Double and Triple Check Everything Before You Go

All hospitals and other facilities have their own particular requirements when it comes to documents – some of the most common to cause a delay in starting are drug screenings and inoculations, so be sure that’s taken care of before you head to your new destination. While the travel staffing agency will arrange your housing ( how to avoid housing horrors on a travel nursing job ) for you, it’s also a good idea to confirm ahead of time that it will be ready on the day you plan to arrive.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Your attitude can make all the difference in a positive or negative experience when it comes to travel nursing jobs of all types. A new job is stressful for just about everyone – and when you’re in a new location at the same time, that can add to the anxiety. Just remember that not everything is going to go perfectly well, 100 percent of the time. By keeping a positive attitude and a willingness to ride those inevitable bumps while adjusting to the situation, you’re likely to find that everything goes a lot more smoothly – and, before too long, that newness will all be a thing of the past.

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9 Tips for First-Time Travel Nurses

If you are new to being a travel nurse, it might seem a little overwhelming with so many things to choose, research, and take care of before going on your journey.

We spoke with three travel nurses — Ellie Kanter, Michele Fitzgerald and Mario Mucurio — to get some tips to help first-time travel nurses get a great head start.

Ready for your first travel assignment? Click here to get started.

Considerations for New Travel Nurses

The transition for new travelers can be a big one.

“I’ve moved around so much with my parents in the military and then with myself that I really don’t mind the move like other people do,” says Kanter.

She understands that it can be quite a process for first-time travelers to store a bulk of their belongings or sell them or give them away to charity.

She also knows that not everything will go perfectly at every assignment that you end up taking but with the right preparation and a positive attitude, it can be a wonderful way to travel and to further your nursing career.

1. Know why you want to travel

Travel is not for everyone, and some jump in without enough thought or planning, explains Mucurio.

Ask yourself a lot of questions upfront:

• Why do you want to travel?
• Is it money, the travel, or the experience?
• Can I afford to travel?
• How does this affect my home life, kids, school, and other parts of my life?

Your reasons for becoming a travel nurse may change through the years, but doing an inventory every so often can help ensure you are set up for success long term.

2. Find an agency and recruiter

Some travel nurse agencies are known for high pay, some for having the most openings, some for going the extra mile in all situations, and a few are a combination of the previous three, Mucurio adds.

When identifying a recruiter within an agency, it’s best to find one that fits your personality and what you are looking for. Do you want weekly check-ins? Do you want someone you can call with problems just like a friend?

3. Clarify issues with a recruiter

Make sure during your interview to clarify if weekends, evenings, or on-call are expected, says Fitzgerald, who has been traveling for two years in Arizona and California.

4. Arrive a few days early for your assignment

Arrive a day or two early, ahead of your first day, and learn all about the new location, especially the areas immediately around the hospital.

Kanter explains that every time she is about to start a new job, she always stays one night in a hotel and makes appointments to see a few rental places before committing.

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5. Educate yourself

There are tons of social media groups, travel nursing sites, and experienced travelers to bounce all your questions off, says Mucurio.

“You need to understand how the process works to make truly informed decisions. Travel nursing is hard enough, so having a solid grasp of things can give you peace of mind and not compound an already difficult career,“ he adds.

6. Stay flexible

It’s all about flexibility, Mucurio says. This is the number one reason some RNs have a limited amount of job choices.

“The more flexible you are the more likely you will be to not only find a contract but continue to stay gainfully employed with minimal time off,” he says.

Understand shift, location, and pay rate requirements all factor into the number of jobs that may be available to you.

For example, an ICU RN that only does days, within 10 miles of Dallas, TX , and needs $1900 weekly take home will have a much harder time locating contracts than an ICU RN willing to work any shift, in any compact state, and needs $1600 take home.

If you keep an open mind, you’ll have more travel nurse assignments to choose from.

7. Rent near the hospital

Kanter always rents near the hospital when she takes a new assignment.

“If something happened to my car, I could at least walk or Uber to the hospital and not call off,” she says.

8. Remember the extras

Fitzgerald always packs her passport, electronic copies of nursing licenses and certifications, and things such as pens, comfortable shoes, a lock for her locker at the job, and phone chargers.

For her dog that travels with her, she packs treats, a comfy bed, and vaccination records.

9. Get two bank accounts

It’s good to have two accounts so you can keep track of expenses and also put everything you can on a credit card for later tracking or reimbursement, Kanter explains. But only do this if you’re ready to pay the balance off monthly and stay out of debt.

We even have credit cards for travel nurses to help you earn points with all your travels while also showing off your nurse hero-status.

Getting Ready For Your First Travel Nursing Assignment

Getting started as a travel nurse is a big change but it’s one that comes with lots of rewards: new adventures, new friends, a new city.

So don’t be afraid. With a little preparation, you can make your transition from staff nurse to your first travel nursing assignment smooth and easy.

Click here to discover available travel nursing jobs!

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Charting a New Course: First-Time Travel Nurse Tips for Success

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Oct 19, 2023 | News | 0 comments

Are you a nurse who is considering dipping your toe into the field of travel nursing? If so, you probably have a lot of questions.

Travel nursing is an exciting field, but it comes with its share of challenges — and there can be a big learning curve .

If you’re an RN wanting to become a travel nurse, check out our comprehensive list of first-time travel nurse tips. We’ll cover everything from what you should know before signing your contract to how to approach your first day.

Table of Contents

6 first-time travel nursing must-dos: what every travel nurse should know before signing a contract, how to prepare for your first assignment as a first-time travel nurse, great expectations: stepping up for your first-time travel nurse assignment.

• Trusted Nurse Staffing: Ready To Help You Take on Your First-Time Travel Nursing Assignment 

If you’ve decided to transition from being a staff nurse to trying out the world of travel nursing, there are some things you should know.

Sure, the basics of the job are the same — but plenty of things will feel completely different. If you know what these are and prepare yourself ahead of time, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Here are some of our favorite tips for first-time travel nurses.

#1: Decide If You’re Going To Get a Compact License 

Licensing for nurses may be different in every state, which can make things tricky for a travel nurse.

Fortunately, many states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact . If you live in a compact state, you can apply for a multistate license that allows you to travel as a nurse in many different areas without having to get a new license each time.

Having a multistate license isn’t mandatory for travel nurses, but it certainly makes things easier when you’re taking jobs all around the country.

#2: Have all of Your Necessary Documents Organized

Staying organized is one of the keys to success when you’re preparing to travel. The agency you work with and the healthcare facility where your potential job is located will have many required documents.

These may include:

• License information
• Employment records
• Health and immunization records
• Certifications; and
• Any other relevant documents

It’s a good idea to have everything in order and at hand before your phone interview in case any questions come up about these documents. You may also want to have them with you for reference when you’re reading over your new contract.

#3: Do Your Research

You have your reasons for wanting to try travel nursing, but that doesn’t mean you already know everything you should about all aspects of the job. Fortunately, there are tons of travel nurse resources out there to help you learn about the job before you accept your first assignment.

Some of the things you’ll want to research may include:

• Which company you want to partner with
• Where you want to work (this applies to both facilities and parts of the country)
• What fields/specialties you’d like to try
• What experienced travelers have to say about the job

#4: Choose a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency

There are many different travel nursing agencies out there, so choosing the right one for you can be a big job. We may be biased, but we’re pretty sure Trusted Nurse Staffing has everything you’ll need and more.

With excellent pay/benefits packages, bonuses and stipends, and 24/7 access to your recruiter, you’ll feel both supported and rewarded in your new field. 

Our Pronto job search makes it easier than ever to find the perfect travel nursing gig. Pronto empowers you to take control of your career by helping you find great opportunities right when you need them.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we love guiding first-time travel nurses through this experience — and we want to help you, too.

#5: Update Your Resume

If you have been working as a staff nurse for a while, make sure your current resume is up-to-date and that all your skills and expertise are on display! 

You may especially want to highlight any special talents or experience that will benefit you in the world of travel nursing.

#6: Understand the Ins and Outs of the Contract You’re Considering 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your contract is one of the most important components of your job, and you should make sure you understand it thoroughly.

Read and reread your contract before signing it, and make sure you know things like:

• Your pay rate
• Opportunities for overtime and per diems
• What benefits package you’ll be receiving
• Cancelation requirements
• Details of insurance packages

Once you sign up with a travel nurse staffing agency and have accepted your first job, here are some things you can do to make sure you’re successful when you arrive.

Review Your Assignment/Contract Information

When you have signed on the dotted line, make sure you know your contract inside and out so you’re aware of what’s expected of you.

Focus on important things like:

• The length of the contract
• Whether you will be floating or staying in the same department
• If you have the option to extend your stay

The more you know about the specifics, the more you’ll be able to focus on your orientation and training when you arrive at your new travel nursing job.

Coordinate With Your Staffing Agency About Any Travel and Housing Details 

One of the great things about working with a travel nurse staffing agency is that they can help you find accommodations for your new gig. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the area and want them to completely take care of your housing, they can do that. If you’d rather find your own place and plan how to get there, they should offer stipends to cover travel expenses and housing.

Agency recruiters may even be able to connect you to someone who needs a roommate or wants someone to take over their lease.

Having a staffing agency handle all the details is a great way to ease the stress of a first-time travel nurse’s transition.

Get To Know the Area You’ll Be Working In

For your first travel nursing assignment, you may want to pick an area you’re already somewhat familiar with  so everything won’t feel quite so new.

If you take the plunge and sign a contract for a place you know nothing about, you should have some time to research it. You’ll want to find out things like:

• The safest parts of town/if there are any places you wouldn’t want to live
• What housing is close to your healthcare facility
• The area’s public transportation
• If ride shares are a good option
• What you’d like to do on your days off

To help you feel comfortable transitioning from your home to a new city or state, get as much information as you can on things that will apply to your new life there.

Pack — But Don’t Overdo It 

Most travel nursing contracts are 13 weeks long, although yours may be shorter or longer depending on what you negotiate. So you’ll need more than a weekend bag, but you definitely only want to pack the basics.

That means you can leave your French horn at home — unless, of course, you just can’t go to sleep at night until you’ve played it.

When you’re preparing to pack, consider:

• What you’ll need to do your job successfully
• What you’ll need to live comfortably
• What will be provided for you where you’re staying
• What sentimental items you just can’t live without
• What season(s) it will be during your stay
• How easily you can get anything you left at home ( Amazon delivery is your friend!)

When packing, a strategy of “less is more” usually works well. Consider using a packing app to help you get started.

Set Up a Budget

Every area is different, and you need to be prepared for how you’ll pay your bills and spend money. Try to get an idea of what the cost of living is like in the area where you’ll be working. (If it’s on the higher side, your pay and benefits should reflect this!)

Set a budget for everyday expenses — but don’t forget to give yourself some wiggle room to go out and explore the area. After all, that’s part of what travel nursing is all about.

Prepare Your Pets

If you’re a first-time travel nurse with pets, don’t forget to consider them when you’re planning your departure. Call your vet and make sure their immunizations are up-to-date, and make any appointments they may need before you hit the road. 

You can also ask your vet if they have any recommendations for emergency care in your new city — just in case. You want to be prepared for anything that could come up while you’re on assignment.

If you’ve followed our recommendations thus far, you should be ready to walk through the door of your new healthcare facility and get to work. Here are some additional first-time travel nurse tips to help you experience those first few days with no problems.

Go In With a Good Attitude

You’re the newbie on the unit, so you want to make a great first impression with staff and patients. It’s okay to anticipate that there may be some chaos or overwhelming moments as you learn the ins and outs of a new facility and routines, but keep a positive attitude.

Show Off Your Skills — Respectfully, Of Course

You’re not there to show up other nurses — but don’t be afraid to get in there and help when it’s needed. You became a nurse because you care about helping people.

When appropriate, step up and demonstrate your skills while ensuring your new coworkers know you’re there to be a team player.

Arrive Early On Your First Day

Being late makes a bad first impression, so you should plan to arrive extra early for your first day of a new job. Remember that this area is unfamiliar to you, and you want to allow plenty of time for any traffic issues, parking, and navigating a new building.

You may even want to do a trial run of your route to work a day or two before your first shift if possible. This will help ensure that you can handle any hiccups that may arise.

Stay Flexible 

It’s fun to dream about all the places you’d love to work as a travel nurse, but you may not always get your first or even second choice of location. If you can be flexible about the places, specialties, and facilities you agree to work in, you may be able to find travel nurse jobs more quickly.

Once you build up your level of experience, you can usually be a little more selective about where you’d like to work.

Get To Know Your Coworkers

Take time to get to know your coworkers. They don’t have to be your besties, but they will be an important part of your life while you’re away from friends and family. Be friendly and try to find out what you may have in common.

Don’t burn bridges and never ghost on an assignment — the travel nursing community is small, and you don’t know when you’ll reconnect with someone in the future or want to use them as a job reference someday.

Travel nursing can help you make friends while building your community and your connections!

Trusted Nurse Staffing: Ready To Help You Take on Your First-Time Travel Nursing Assignment  

There’s a lot to learn for first-time travel nurses, and Trusted Nurse Staffing wants to help you every step of the way.

Our recruiters have loads of experience guiding nurses who are new to the field and helping them make the most of the traveling life.

The Pronto job search helps you easily search for available jobs by location, discipline, or specialty. You can also get important information, including weekly pay, assignment length, and shifts up front. 

Contact us today to get started.

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50 Useful Travel Nursing Tips for First-Timers in 2024

Are you an experienced nurse looking for some excitement and a change but not sure what options are available? Do you enjoy traveling? Does meeting new people and learning about new cultures excite you? If so, have you considered what it would be like to become a travel nurse? Perhaps you are wondering how to get started or asking, "What are some useful tips for first-time travel nurses?” If this sounds like you, the 50 useful travel nursing tips for first-timers in 2024 featured in this article are just for you!

WHAT ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME TRAVEL NURSES?

1. learn about travel nursing and what it involves., 2. determine your availability to work as a travel nurse., 3. consider working as a float nurse at your current nursing job., 4. consider getting a compact nursing license., 5. update your resume., 6. make sure all licenses and certifications, and immunizations are current., 7. create a medical records portfolio and keep it up to date., 8. gather necessary documents., 9. get excellent letters of professional reference., 10. don't burn bridges., 11. choose the type of transportation you want to use., 12. take care of the tiny details, so you don't feel overwhelmed later., 13. do your research., 14. consider getting a recruiter or agency representative., 15. prepare for the interview., 16. be honest with recruiters and potential employers., 17. ask questions., 18. read the fine print in your contract., 19. create a budget., 20. find out what the early cancellation penalty is., 21. ask if you will be reimbursed if the hospital cancels your contract., 22. consider getting a personal liability insurance policy., 23. think about health insurance., 24. be flexible., 25. plan for housing., 26. don’t pack your whole house, 27. get to know other travel nurses., 28. don’t forget about your fur-babies, 29. be confident about your knowledge and skills., 30. try not to take things personally., 31. if you have a recruiter, stay connected with them., 32. accept assignments with an open mind., 33. don’t forget self-care, 34. arrive in your new town a few days early, if possible., 35. be early for work., 36. find a mentor., 37. learn coping mechanisms to help reduce stress and promote a positive outlook., 38. develop friendships with your new coworkers., 39. enjoy your new town, 40. embrace opportunities to learn and master new skills., 41. create a healthy work-life balance., 42. leave work at work., 43. don’t limit yourself to one agency., 44. remember, travel nurse agencies and recruiters work for you as much as you work for them., 45. consider earning a certification., 46. get experience in different specialty areas., 47. never stop learning, 48. be committed., 49. prepare for your next assignment., 50. have fun, useful resources to help prepare for your first ever travel nursing assignment, youtube videos, • travel nursing 101: what to know before you travel (don’t get played on your 1st contract) -, • travel nurses who left staff jobs reflect on newfound freedom -, • behind the scrubs: the travel nurse experience -, • atlas all access- travel nursing where you belong -, • hitting the road: a guide to travel nursing, • the truth about travel nursing, websites/blogs, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. is it a good idea to start as a travel nurse right out of college, 2. will travel nursing look good on my nursing resume, 3. when can i start applying for my first travel nursing assignment, 4. what do i need to make sure of in my first travel nurse contract, 5. as a first-time travel nurse, can i choose where to go, 6. i'd prefer to drive to my first travel nursing job. can i do that, 7. what if i get my first travel nursing assignment and i hate it, 8. as a first-time travel nurse, can i make my own schedule, 9. do first-time travel nurses get health insurance and 401k, 10. as a first timer, can i negotiate my pay with my travel nurse recruiter, 11. as a first-time travel nurse, how much will i make, 12. will my first travel nurse stipend be taxable, 13. can first-time travel nurses travel on international assignments.

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20 Tips For A First Time Travel Nurse

Published: January 8, 2018

Read Time: 6 minute read

Updated On: April 20, 2022

Being a travel nurse is an exciting career path. It provides one of a kind benefits and a great way to grow your career. Are you still deciding on where to begin your first travel nurse assignment? Perhaps you have accepted an assignment. Either way, these 20 tips for a first time travel nurse will help you.

1) Get Organized . Whether you are browsing or getting ready to embark on as a first time travel nurse you need to stay organized. Make sure your license information is updated. Make sure your health and immunization records are up to date. Prepare for your phone interview. Bring copies of any necessary documentation to your first day.

2) Be Flexible . Some travel nurse companies will tell you they can place you anywhere you want as a first time travel nurse. However, the fact is that you might not always get your first choice. Be flexible on location, setting, and facility and you will get a travel nurse job quickly. After you have experience you can be more picky on where you want to work.

3) Pick A Place of Comfort . It can be daunting to pick-up and move to a new location as a travel nurse. One tip we give first time travel nurses when first speaking to them is pick a place you know. Pick a place that has friends or family members. Perhaps there is a destination you have traveled to frequently. This will help calm any nerves as a first time travel nurse.

4) Don’t Take Things Personally . Being a nurse is a stressful job. It is fast paced and you are dealing with the health of others. If a patient or their family say something it’s important to listen but do not take anything negatively said personally. Share anything said with your supervisor to get feedback on how to proceed and stay professional.

20 Tips For A First Time Travel Nurse – Before You Start

5) Take A Test Drive Before Starting Your First Assignment . Before your first day on your first travel nurse assignment practice your first day. Wake up and get ready at the appropriate time. Leave your house on the time you think it will take to arrive. Find out where to park and how to get to your floor. Determine if you need more or less time to arrive to your first day.

6) Arrive Early On Day One . There is no feeling worse than feeling rushed. Especially when it is your first day as a first time travel nurse. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at work and it’s best to arrive early. You only get one time to make a first impression. Best to have that first impression be positive.

7) Prepare For Your Pets . As you prepare for your first travel nurse assignment make sure to not forget about your pets. Do they need to visit the vet before you leave? Are their immunizations up to date? Make sure they are ready too. It is also a good idea to ask your vet if they have any recommendations for vets in your new city. You want to be prepared in case you need to take your pet to the vet while you’re on assignment.

8) Take Care Of Your Home Logistics. What are you going to do about your mail? Forward it? What are you going to do about any deliveries? Hold them? What about power? Cancel it? There are a lot of big things to think of before starting your first travel nurse assignment. However, don’t forget about the small things too.

9) Pack Smart . Remember that most travel nurse assignments are 13 weeks. Think about what you absolutely need and what you can live without for a few months. You might not need to bring every pair of shoes. Instead of bringing your TV, can you get by with your laptop or tablet? There are also things you can buy when you arrive that you don’t need to pack.

20 Tips For A First Time Travel Nurse – Do Your Due Diligence

10) Decide On Housing . As a travel nurse you will have options on housing. Find your own or lean on your travel nurse agency. Do you want to live downtown or away from the action? The choice is yours.

11) Do Your Own Research . You will have plenty of assistance before, during, and after your first travel nurse assignment. But before on signing your contract on as a first time travel nurse do your research. Research which company you want to work with. Think about where you want to work. Ask other travel nurses their opinions. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.

12) Chat With Other Travel Nurses . One of the best places to chat with other travel nurses is using a community network like Gypsy Nurse. This is a great place to see what other travel nurses are talking about and ask any questions. You can find great advice on things such as the best nursing podcasts for travel nurses, the best scrub brands , the most comfortable nursing shoes , and the best compression socks for nurses .

13) Understand Your New Work Environment . Find out about the floor you will be working. Learn what it’s like, how things are done, and where supplies are kept.

20 Tips For A First Time Travel Nurse – During Your Travel Nurse Assignment

14) Be Ready To Show Your Skills . As a travel nurse; especially a first time traveler, there can be a feeling of hesitation when dealing with permanent staff nurses. The fact is that most nurses are courteous and professional. Once you are trained on the processes jump in and start helping. Your co-workers will see you as a viable part to the team.

15) Have A Positive Attitude . Stress a guaranteed part of any nursing career. Understanding how to deal with the stress can be difficult, especially for a first time travel nurse. We recently created the 20 coping skills for new nurses which can help you remain positive. Try some of these things to keep a positive attitude for your entire assignment.

16) Ask Questions . When you begin your assignment, you will have orientation. During this time, you will go over policies and procedures of your new facility. You will also learn questions about your new job. Use this time to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. It’s best to ask them now than later.

17) Stay Connected With Your Recruiter . When you find a great recruiter he or she will be with you every step of the way. They are on your side to make sure you find the right spot for you. If you have certain things you want out of your travel assignment share them with your recruiter. Once you get on your assignment, be sure to check in with your recruiter from time to time.

20 Tips For A First Time Travel Nurse – Have Fun

18) Make Friends With Co-Workers . One of the easiest ways to settle into a new place as a first time travel nurse is to get to know your co-workers. Find out what you have in common. Invite them for a cup of coffee after your shift. Schedule something during your day off. You may not get along with everyone but having a few friends will go a long way to having a successful first time travel nurse assignment.

19) Think About Your Next Assignment. You know the saying it’s easier to find your next job when you have a job? You will be surprised how fast 13 weeks goes by. Once you hit your forth week it’s a good time to start thinking about what you want to do next. Do you want to extend? Do you want to try somewhere else? Will you need a new license? These are just a few things to think about during your assignment as a first time travel nurse.

20) Explore Your New Town . You are only at your assignment for a limited time. Make sure you get some you time and explore your new city. Ask co-workers or search sites like Yelp for recommendations on activities and restaurants. Take a mini-vacation if you can. Who knows, you might like the location of your first travel nurse assignment that you might want to come back.

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Is it Hard to Get Your First Assignment as a Travel Nurse?

Career advice, job seeker, travel nurse jobs, travel nursing.

Many first time travelers think having “traveler” experience is important to getting the assignments they want. But, how do you get experience if you can’t find an assignment? Sounds like a Catch 22.

Although you’re not new to the nursing world and have had a few years of clinical experience, many hospitals in coveted locations are looking for nurses that have travel experience. So… how do you get around this?

The answer may not appease you at first, but in the long run will make you a more skilled and experience travel nurse. The answer is Be Flexible . The first few assignments are most likely not going to be located in your dream city. But not to fret, assignments are only 13 weeks in duration.  By the time you complete your first couple assignments, you’ll have the rest of the year to take assignments in places you actually want to go.

Being flexible will also make you look like a better employee to the recruiter and will help keep you in their favor.  This is a good place to be considering they choose which travelers to present to hospitals first.

Think of your first few assignments as an investment in your travel nurse career. Although they might not be ideal, they will be the stepping stones to help you get you to where you want to go.

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TravelNursing

10 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Travel Nurse Assignment

By Megan Murdock Krischke, Contributor

New travel nurses may feel overwhelmed with questions about their first travel assignment. While some level of uncertainty is normal with any new job, there are a few key questions that new and seasoned travel nurses alike should have answered before accepting a travel nursing assignment.

Joelle Chandler, manager of recruitment with American Mobile Healthcare, suggests several questions to ask during the interview with the nurse manager and some to address with your travel nurse recruiter.

Questions for your interview with the nurse manager:

1. What are your expectations for travel nurses?

“This is a great open-ended question to get the nurse manager to open up, to give you an idea of how he or she works and to promote good communication,” Chandler said.

Different managers will have different expectations about how charting is to be done or how a traveler should address questions or problems he or she encounters.

2. What is your floating policy?

“All travelers are expected to float between units to some extent,” began Chandler. “But the idea of floating can make some nurses nervous. Asking up front about floating expectations can alleviate that concern. Nurses can expect to be floated only to units where they have experience. For instance, an ICU nurse may be asked to staff a step-down unit.”

3. How do you do your scheduling?

While you may not get to pick specific shifts, you can certainly get an idea if you can cluster your shifts together or if the assignment will be primarily day or night shifts.  Also, as the holidays approach, it will be important to ask about holiday scheduling.  Just like staff nurses, travelers are expected to work some, but not all, holidays.

4. What kind of orientation is offered to travelers?

“Orientations can vary from one day to a few weeks, so this is an excellent question,” remarked Chandler. “Most commonly, orientations are three to four days. It is also important to ask about the orientation schedule--is orientation only offered during day shifts or is there a nighttime orientation, as well?”

These orientations can help travelers learn how the hospital works and where to go for answers.  Some also include short-term mentoring or the chance to shadow a staff nurse before taking over patient care.

5. How many travelers are on the unit?

“This may be an especially important question for first-time nurses. Travelers often form their own communities, so it is nice to know whether or not there is a group waiting for you,” she explained. While staff nurses are usually welcoming, many are already busy with family and friends. “Other travelers are more likely to be available to socialize after work or to go on adventures during days off.”

6. Do you ever extend contracts for your travelers?

You will want to know if there is a possibility of staying on if you find your experience especially enjoyable. Thirteen weeks can pass quickly and it is helpful to know from the outset if an extension is even an option from the hospital’s perspective.

Questions for your recruiter:

7. How many hours will I work, and will my hours be guaranteed?

It’s important for nurses to understand the details of each travel assignment, including how issues like hours are treated.

“Not many hospitals offer guaranteed hours. Just like in a permanent position you might get called up or called off due to a flux in the census,” stated Chandler. “Your recruiter will be able to look up which hospitals are guaranteeing hours.”

8. How far away is my housing and what does it include?

Your recruiter should be able answer any of your housing related questions, though housing typically isn’t finalized until 7-10 days ahead of the assignment start date. Most travel nurse agencies, including TravelNursing.com’s staffing partners , aim to keep housing as close as possible--usually within a 30-minute commute of the hospital--but each city will have different options.

Furnished housing includes all major furniture items such as tables, seating, lighting and beds.  It may or may not include a microwave.  Travelers need to bring their own cooking supplies, electronics, and linens, except in locations where it is difficult to bring a car--such as Hawaii, Alaska, and New York City.

9. What will be required on my first day?

“Your recruiter will receive your instructions for the first day regarding when and where to show up,” said Chandler. He or she may also be able to find out other specifics, such as the availability and cost of parking, and whether or not specific colors of scrubs are required--or your recruiter can direct you to the right person(s) to get these answers.

You will also be told what documentation you’ll need to bring with you on the first day, and agency staff will help verify licensing and other issues before your start date.

RELATED: Six Tips for First-time Travel Nurses

10. What resources are available if I encounter an issue on the job?

While recruiters and housing specialists can help answer some general questions on your travel assignment, many top travel nurse agencies also offer clinical liaisons who are available around the clock if a clinical or work-related issue needs resolving.  Be sure and ask your recruiter for details.

APPLY for travel nursing jobs today to get started on your travel adventure!

Updated 12/14/18

© 2016. Updated 2018. AMN Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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How to Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Table of Contents

As a travel nurse, the end of your current assignment is always around the corner. So when should you start thinking about your next assignment? How do you time your search so that you can find the perfect placement without any gaps in your employment? In this article, we explore a variety of factors that you should consider before beginning your search. From reflecting on the importance of the upcoming assignment to evaluating your personal circumstances, we will help you strategize the best time to start your search. Additionally, we will provide you with tips to help you stay prepared and competitive in the job market and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different start times.

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Factors to Consider Before Starting Your Search

In today's competitive job market, job seekers must consider various factors before starting their job search journey. Having a clear understanding of these factors can significantly improve the chances of landing a suitable job and ensuring interview success. Some key factors to consider include the importance of the upcoming assignment, current commitments and workload, and personal circumstances.

Importance of the Upcoming Assignment

Understanding the significance of the upcoming assignment is essential for job seekers, especially those considering a change in their current job or seeking to explore new opportunities. The right assignment can be the stepping stone for career advancement and create additional growth opportunities. An assignment that aligns with a candidate's professional goals and interests holds more value than merely working in a position for the sake of it.

Reflect on the significance of the assignment in terms of career growth and skill development.

Job seekers must critically analyze how a potential assignment will contribute to their career growth. Consider an example: A software developer who has gained expertise in a specific programming language may find a new assignment that requires them to work with a new technology stack highly rewarding. It may expand their skills and knowledge and make them more competitive in the job market. This is why career coaches encourage job seekers to look for assignments that offer a unique opportunity to learn and grow.

Current Commitments and Workload

Before embarking on a job search, it is imperative for job seekers to assess their workload and other existing commitments such as family, personal goals, or ongoing projects. Focusing on a job search while ignoring current responsibilities at work or within the family will only lead to increased stress levels, inadequate preparation, and potential missing out on job offers.

Personal Circumstances

Every job seeker has unique circumstances that can influence their job search process. For instance, a job seeker may be looking for a hybrid remote job due to flexibility concerns. In another case, an individual may be specifically looking to work with a small business for the chance to have direct access to the decision-makers. Understanding such personal circumstances helps narrow the job search and ensure that the job interview matches the candidate's requirements and aspirations.

Tips on Timing Your Search for the Next Assignment

Timing is one of the most crucial aspects of any job search process. A well-timed search may lead to promising job offers, whereas a poorly timed search can result in lost opportunities. Here are a few tips on how to time job search efforts better:

Building a Strong Network

A strong professional network can help secure better job interviews and find relevant opportunities. Job seekers should invest time in cultivating relationships with industry professionals, engaging on LinkedIn, and attending networking events. Staying connected with the network helps candidates stay informed about job openings and trends in the job market. This ensures they are ready to seize job offers when they come across a suitable opening.

Keeping an Eye on Opportunities

Job seekers need to stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities in the job market. Regularly browsing job boards and subscribing to job alerts can help individuals stay informed about new job openings. This proactive approach to job search enables job seekers to capitalize on potential job offers as soon as they become available, ensuring that they don't miss out on lucrative opportunities to enhance their careers.

Staying Prepared

To ensure interview success, job seekers must stay prepared to answer questions confidently, concisely, and effectively. This includes understanding the hiring process and preparing responses to commonly asked interview questions. Additionally, refining and updating one's cover letter and LinkedIn profile can significantly improve the impression on the hiring manager.

Regularly update your resume.

A well-curated resume has the power to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Job seekers should regularly update their resumes to include the most recent accomplishments, skills, and experience. Incorporating relevant keywords in the resume can also improve search visibility among hiring managers and increase the likelihood of receiving job offers.

In conclusion, understanding the essential factors to consider before starting a job search and implementing the recommended tips can substantially enhance the probability of finding a suitable assignment, impressing the hiring manager, and achieving interview success. Staying prepared, maintaining a strong network, and keeping an eye on job opportunities will allow job seekers to seize the right opportunities at the right time, ultimately leading to long-term career growth.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Start Times

When it comes to job interviews, starting your search at the right time could be crucial in landing your dream job. Different start times for your job search will have pros and cons, which can impact job seekers and small businesses. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting early and searching at the last minute.

Starting Early

Starting your job search early has a myriad of benefits for both job seekers and hiring managers. For job seekers, getting a head start on your job applications may give you more flexibility in your search and an edge in the competitive job market. Let's delve into the specifics.

Advantages:

1. More opportunities: By starting your job search early, you'll have access to a wider range of opportunities. With more time to explore the market, you can find a job that's a perfect fit for your skills and experience, whether it's a traditional role, remote job, or hybrid remote job.

2. Preparation: Starting early gives you the time you need to prepare the perfect cover letter, update your LinkedIn profile, and research potential employers. This extra preparation can increase your chances of interview success and ultimately landing your ideal job.

3. Work with a career coach: If you're struggling with your job search or interview skills, starting early gives you the opportunity to work with a career coach. With their expert guidance, you'll be better positioned to navigate the job market and increase your chances of success.

Disadvantages:

1. Overconfidence: When you have a comfortable time cushion, it can be easy to develop a sense of overconfidence. This may lead to a less urgent approach to your job search, causing you to miss out on valuable opportunities. Begin your search early, but remember to maintain a sense of purpose and urgency throughout.

2. Extended job search: Sometimes, starting early can mean a longer, more drawn-out job search process. You may be tempted to wait for your "ideal" opportunity, causing your search to extend beyond what is feasible or practical. Instead, focus on finding a satisfying job that meets your criteria.

Searching Last Minute

Although not ideal, searching for a job at the last minute can still yield positive results. Though there are risks involved, it's not impossible to find an attractive job offer during this period. Below are some key advantages and disadvantages to consider.

1. Urgency: Feeling the pressure of a fast-approaching deadline might inspire an increased sense of urgency, helping you to stay focused and organized throughout the job search. This urgency can help prevent procrastination and drive you toward quicker results.

2. Targeted search: With limited time available, you'll be forced to concentrate on the most relevant positions, ensuring your search remains targeted on the opportunities most suitable for your skills and experience.

3. Openings during peak hiring seasons: Companies often have immediate hiring needs, particularly during peak hiring seasons or the holiday season. If you're on the market during these times, chances are higher that you'll find a last-minute job offer.

1. Limited opportunities: Searching for a job at the last minute may cause you to miss out on the full range of opportunities available. Some employers may have already filled positions, and you might not have time to thoroughly research and apply for all relevant openings.

2. Poorly prepared applications: Under the pressure of a last-minute search, there's a risk of submitting hastily prepared applications. This can reduce your chances of securing an interview, as hiring managers often prioritize well-prepared and thoughtful applications.

3. Less time for interviews: With a shorter timeframe to work with, scheduling job interviews can become more challenging. You may find yourself needing to attend multiple interviews in a short period, potentially impacting your performance and reducing your chances of success.

In conclusion, while both starting early and searching last minute have their advantages and disadvantages, the optimal approach will depend on your unique circumstances. Assess your current job situation, the available opportunities in your field, and your personal needs to determine the best start time for your job search. Remember that seeking help from a career coach or mentor can be invaluable in guiding your job search efforts and improving your chances of securing a great job offer.

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